ST. GEORGE — The 12-year-old boy is registered under number 173479, a number he hopes will come up one day.
What that number doesn’t reveal is that the lively fifth-grader’s name is Thomas, or that he has a great sense of humor, is known to be a quick learner, enjoys caring for plants or that his favorite restaurant is Golden Corral, hands down.
But for now, Thomas is waiting.
On Tuesday, the community is invited to attend an event with this child’s goal – and those of others like him – in mind when Utah Foster Care and The Utah Adoption Exchange holds their annual “Ask a Foster Parent.” Taking place from 6-8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 1808 Crosby Way in St. George, the free event includes a catered dinner.
As a forerunner to November’s National Adoption Month, the forum is offered to provide people with information about fostering a child.
What is it like to be a child in foster care? What is it like to be a foster parent? These are just some of the many questions that will be answered by a panel of experts, parents, state workers, adopted children and others involved in the foster/adoption process.
The goal of the interactive forum is to provide a better understanding of what it would be like to become a foster or adoptive parent, organizer Ben Ashcraft said.
Most often, children enter the foster system because of abuse, neglect, mental health or addiction problems in their original homes and while many are returned to their families, there are about 150 in Utah eligible for adoption who have yet to be matched to an adoptive family.
The children are listed on Utah’s Adoption Connection and can be found in the “Heart Gallery,” which includes the adoption profile of Thomas.
Utah Foster Care is a private, nonprofit organization that is part of a team that includes state and private agencies serving the needs of children and families in crisis. The organizations form a powerful front in the ongoing effort to find foster children permanent homes.
Utah Foster Care finds and trains families to provide secure, loving homes for the 2,700 children in foster care throughout the state.
“If you are interested in learning more about adopting through foster care, providing a home for an older child needing permanency, or debating between private adoption verses adopting through foster care, you will hear valuable information to help with making your decision,” Ashcraft said.
Event Details
- What: “Ask a foster parent night” panel discussion and catered dinner.
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 6-8 p.m.
- Where: The Holiday Inn, 1808 Crosby Way, St George.
- Cost: Free, but please RSVP by email to [email protected]. Include your name, the number of people attending and identify “St. George” as your area.
- For more information: Contact the Utah Foster Care offices in St. George at 877-656-8065 or visit the Utah Foster Care website.
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